COLONEL STUART KNOXsaid, he wished to ask an important Question of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Lancashire. He regretted that he had only been able to give him private Notice after he entered the House. The question he wished to ask was, After what hour he will not take the Suspensory Bill; and, whether, as the right hon. Gentleman can bring the matter before Parliament without the least delay, and without interfering with the necessary business of the country, he will, if he still persists in his present intentions, introduce the Bill at such an hour as will permit a full discussion?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I have no difficulty in answering the question for want of Notice, because it appears to me to be simple in its character. The Motion which I have to make for the introduction of this Bill is a Motion which I believe, in conformity with the ordinary usages of the House, I should have been perfectly justified in making immediately after the Report of the Resolutions which passed through the Committee, and a Motion for leave to introduce a Bill under such circumstances, as far as my recollection goes, is uniformly acceded to as a matter of course. It was from motives which I explained on a former occasion that, in deference to the Crown, I did not bring in the Bill at that time, I trust I shall be allowed to put 248 myself in as good a position as I should have been in if I had been able to proceed in the usual course, at whatever hour I may have the opportunity.
COLONEL STUART KNOXWe shall feel it our duty in this case to give the right hon. Gentleman a precedent for future occasions in regard to the introduction of Bills of such a nature.